If you’re looking to go fishing in the District of Columbia, you’ll need to obtain a fishing license. A fishing license is required to fish in any public waters in the city, including the Potomac River and its tributaries. In this article, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to know about obtaining a DC fishing license.
Who Needs a Fishing License in DC?
Anyone who wants to fish in public waters in DC needs to have a fishing license. This includes residents and non-residents who are 16 years of age or older. If you’re under 16, you don’t need a fishing license, but you still need to follow all the rules and regulations.
Types of DC Fishing Licenses
There are several types of fishing licenses available in DC:
Resident Fishing License
A resident fishing license is available to anyone who has lived in DC for at least 30 days before applying for the license. The license is valid for one year from the date of purchase and costs $10.
Non-Resident Fishing License
A non-resident fishing license is available to anyone who does not meet the requirements for a resident license. The license is valid for one year from the date of purchase and costs $13.
Senior Fishing License
A senior fishing license is available to residents of DC who are 65 years of age or older. The license is valid for one year from the date of purchase and costs $10.
24-Hour Fishing License
If you’re not a regular angler and just want to fish for a day, you can purchase a 24-hour fishing license. This license is available to both residents and non-residents and costs $5.
7-Day Fishing License
If you’re visiting DC and want to fish for a week, you can purchase a 7-day fishing license. This license is available to both residents and non-residents and costs $10.
How to Obtain a DC Fishing License
You can obtain a DC fishing license in several ways:
Online
The easiest way to obtain a DC fishing license is to do it online. You can visit the DC Department of Energy & Environment website and purchase a license using a credit card. Once you’ve completed the transaction, you’ll receive a confirmation email that you can use as proof of your license.
In Person
You can also obtain a DC fishing license in person. You can visit any authorized fishing license vendor in DC and purchase a license. You’ll need to provide proof of residency or identification if you’re a non-resident.
By Mail
If you prefer to obtain a DC fishing license by mail, you can download an application form from the DC Department of Energy & Environment website. You’ll need to fill out the form and mail it to the address provided, along with a check or money order for the appropriate fee.
Rules and Regulations
Once you have your DC fishing license, it’s important to know the rules and regulations that apply to fishing in the city. Some of the rules include:
- You must follow all size and creel limits.
- You must release all grass carp caught in public waters.
- You must not use more than two fishing lines at a time.
- You must not use live baitfish that are not native to the waters you’re fishing in.
These are just a few of the rules and regulations you’ll need to follow. You can find a complete list of rules on the DC Department of Energy & Environment website.
Conclusion
Obtaining a DC fishing license is easy and affordable. Whether you’re a resident or non-resident, regular angler or just want to fish for a day, there’s a license that will suit your needs. Remember to follow all the rules and regulations when fishing in DC to help preserve the environment and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
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